Breathing Exercise 10h

Start by familiarising with the pattern in each cycle. Start slowly, accenting
the blow notes as you go (one-two-three-four-five-six). This will produce a
Waltz Rhythm (1-2-3, 2-2-3). When you are confident with the cycle,
increase the tempo, but keep your delivery evenly balanced throughout.

Holes 7 and 6 cycle

7 7 6 6 6 7 7 A
Holes 8 and 7 cycle

8 8 7 7 7 8 8 B
Holes 9 and 8 cycle

9 9 8 8 8 9 9 C
To increase the benefit of this exercise, we need to repeat each line. Start
with holes 7 and 6 and follow the example in line D. This is one cycle and
one repetition. When we play repetitions, we only play the return point in
7B once. This is indicate by the blue arrow.

Holes 7 and 6 cycle repeated

7 7 6 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 7 7 D
Once you are comfortable with one repetition, try 5 repetitions. Over time,
build up to 10 repetitions, and notice how your diaphragm pushes when you
play the blow notes. Notice also how your embouchure (lip and smile
muscles) feel the burn as the repetitions increase. Do the same number of
repetitions in every line; A, B and C. As the reeds become shorter, they
become more resistant. The muscle burn and the benefit will increase too!
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© Harp Surgery 2020

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Time to increase the challenge by connecting all three lines into one
extended cycle. This will take some time getting used to, so start slowly. If
you remember to accent the blow notes as you play, these will act as
markers so you won’t get lost.

Holes 9 to 6 connected cycle

9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 7 E

7 7 8 8 8 9 9 F
Once again, the objective is maintain control all the way through, delivering
the whole sequence in a measure and evenly balanced way. When you can
achieve this, try three whole cycles, then four, then five.

Next, try to challenge yourself by playing repetitions more quickly, building

the tempo over time. This will benefit your breath control and embouchure
immensely. Make a habit of starting every harmonica session with this
valuable exercise, and play with your eyes closed. This will connect you with
your breathing, your musical delivery and your instrument.

© Harp Surgery 2020

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